If you are considering Bourg-le-Comte as a destination for a stay, three distinct themes can help you get your bearings: the large high-lift lock on the Canal de Roanne à Digoin, the Romanesque church of Saint-Gervais, and the opportunities to explore the canal by water or along the towpath. The history of the former brickworks is another point of interest. These themes range from canal construction and industrial history to church architecture and activities by the water.

Lock construction: history and dimensions

The large high-lift lock at Bourg-le-Comte was built in two stages, in 1898 and 1899. It was constructed when the canal was upgraded to the Freycinet gauge at the end of the 19th century, replacing two consecutive locks. The change from two locks to one large structure makes the transformation of the waterway part of the town’s history.

It is considered one of the highest locks in France. The water-level drop is 7.19 metres; the total elevation difference overcome is 11 metres. The construction history and dimensions highlight different aspects: the dates place its construction at the end of the 19th century, while the height figures illustrate the scale of the structure. The lock can therefore be understood both as part of a canal upgrade and as an engineering structure.

Industrial history along the canal

A large brick chimney in Bourg-le-Comte is the last surviving remnant of the former brickworks, which was built because of the canal’s presence. This brings two periods of local history into focus: the development of the waterway and a brickworks whose origins were linked to the canal. For travellers interested in industrial heritage, the chimney offers a different perspective on the canal from the lock.

Saint-Gervais in the town centre

The church of Saint-Gervais is in the centre of Bourg-le-Comte. It has a Romanesque nave that was extended in modern times, followed by a choir bay and an apse. The bell tower is also Romanesque. The church therefore combines Romanesque architectural style with a later alteration to the nave.

In 2026, Saint-Gervais is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except during religious services. Check the schedule again before your trip.

Explore the Canal de Roanne à Digoin

The Canal de Roanne à Digoin can be explored by péniche or electric boat, or on foot or by bicycle along its towpath. The options mainly differ in how you get around: on a péniche or electric boat, you travel on the water, while the towpath can be used on foot or by bike.

Location by the water

Bourg-le-Comte sits above the canal and the Loire. The Point d'amarrage de Bourg-le-Comte is a nautical mooring with an anchor point on the canal bank. The lock and the mooring represent different aspects of the canal: the history of its development and a specifically named nautical point of reference.

Discover more destinations: Mazille, Châteauneuf, Beaurepaire-En-Bresse, Sailly, Verdun-Sur-Le-Doubs, Saint-Firmin, Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux, Sagy.

For the broader travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.